Minister: Ban cars on Sundays so children can play in streets

Public health minister Anne Milton proposed road closures to get youngsters off their computers and enjoying sport and other physical activities. She got the idea after discussions with a health minister from Colombia at a meeting in Moscow last week.

"On Sundays they close certain streets (in Colombia) so that everybody can play in them. That is an outstanding idea," she told MPs. "Before constituents email to complain about their streets closing, I should say that I accept it would not work everywhere."

Two thirds of UK children are set to be obese by 2050 if current trends continue. In a Commons debate, Brentford and Isleworth Conservative MP Mary Macleod highlighted that the present generation of obese children would cost London £110 million if they grow up to be obese adults.

MPs also warned about a "latte and muffin" culture among commuters. Ms Milton, a Tory, said: "It is astounding to discover that one has probably had the daily allowance [of calories] just in a snack on the way to work."

The Department of Health today said shutting roads as part of anti-obesity moves "would be something for local councils to consider".